Letters

Dear Scripture Study, Best. Thing. Ever. I'm definitely going to keep keepin' you awesome because you just make everything else awesome.

Dear Roomies, I love doing waffle Sundays with you. I also love and super appreciate the happy spirit that you each bring into our apartment. I feel grateful to live with amazing women who bring an amazing spirit into my life.

Dear Betsy, YOU SURVIVED BRAIN SURGERY!!!! Congratulations. We're happy to have you back home. :)

Dear Quincy, Thank you for your lesson today in Relief Society. It helped remind me of the importance of my family and of how much I love them. You are such a talented teacher. Thank you for the love you bring into the classroom.

Dear Kate and Abby, Thank you so much for talking with me today on the phone. I love hearing about your life and am grateful that technology makes it so easy to keep in touch. And by the way, you two are two of my four favorite sisters in the whole world!

Dear Ethan, Rachel, and Lauren, Dinner with you three was wonderful. I love that we can still be such good friends even though we've gone different ways. It's good to know that I have people like you guys in my life to fall back on when things get rough.

Dear Jamie and Garrick, Thanks for letting us invade your snazzy little abode tonight to make cookie bars (which turned out super good!) and to play Settlers. You guys are great. And I love the pillows on your couch.

Dear Chris, You company was much appreciated tonight as we braved the Gaffneys'. You were willing to make some needed trades with me while we played Settlers and you even know where both Jerome and Vancouver are, so you must not be that bad of a guy. I just hope that next time we can beat Jamie.

Dear Heavenly Father, I believe.

Daughters in My Kingdom

One of the most powerful book I've ever read is "Daughters in My Kingdom." The first time I read it, I read it because Sis. Beck, who was at the time the General Relief Society President, was coming to speak to the girls in my stake and she asked us to read it. I did, but it didn't really do much for me. Then, last summer, our Relief Society decided to read it together. Because I wasn't distracted with homework assignments and huge to-do lists, I was able to really focus on it this time. It was absolutely amazing. I loved reading this book so much because it gave me real, strong, admirable role models to look up to. The following is part of a letter I sent my friend while I was in the middle of reading the book. I think it sums up my experience reading the book fairly well:

"I’ve had such an amazing experience reading DIMK. I think that Heavenly Father told me to have the Relief Society read the book mainly just because I needed to read it. I’ve only gotten through a third of it, but already it has better strengthened my testimony of Relief Society than any other talk, scripture, or manual ever has. Relief Society is awesome. And the women of the church are even awesomer. I used to always feel so disconnected from Relief Society because I felt like it was so old and stuffy. Reading this book, however, has helped me realize that, like I said earlier, the women of the early church weren't pushovers. I admire their courage and testimony and strength. This book has given me the right kind of role models to look up to. Not the skinny, worldly kinds we see in the movies and the magazines. No. These women knew God, and wanted to follow Him. They served and served and served and never stopped. They loved their families and let the God-given female desires they had lead and guide and motivate them. They weren’t ashamed to want to have kids and to nurture and love and…well, to be feminine.

Not going to lie—I’ve kinda grown up my whole life a little afraid? Embarrassed? Against the fact? that I’m a girl because girls can be annoying and obsessed with silly things like makeup and clothes. I like running around and getting dirty and doing ‘boy’ things. Also not going to lie—I’ve never liked the stereotype of the girl who comes to college just to get married. And for a while I felt like saying that I was—am—excited to have kids and a family made me feel like I was a part of that stereotype. This book, however, has taught me that being a girl isn’t about the hair and the makeup and the frills. It’s about taking care of a family. And it’s a good thing to want to take care of a family and that I shouldn’t be ashamed of the feminine qualities God has given me. These women weren’t, and as such, they had a greater capacity to love and serve those around them and to be just plain amazing. They weren’t ashamed to be who God made them to be. They were women—and happy and proud of it! I want to be like that, and reading this book is helping me to be more like that. I have not a doubt in my mind that it was inspired by God. I’m so grateful that we have leaders who are awesome enough to seek out Gods will and to follow it so that we can benefit from their efforts."

25 Days Reflecting on Learning: I Can Trust the Women in My Ward

This is a picture of some of the women I have been blessed to associate with during my time as Relief Society President in the 41st Ward. Most of them have moved on to live elsewhere now, but this picture still reminds me of the power I have seen in all the women I have served with. All of them are amazing!

Today I learned that I can trust the women in my ward to fulfill their callings. One of the things I stress most about in Relief Society is helping and trusting girls to fulfill the role they have been called to. Sometimes, I would almost rather do everything myself so that I can feel safe knowing what has been done and what hasn't. But doing everything on my own would be murder and would rob other fantastic girls of the blessings they could recieve from serving the Lord.

This evening, when I got home, I finished divvying up the new Visiting Teaching assignments and then texted my new supervisors and coordinators, letting them know that the assignments were ready to be picked up and passed out. Then, I waited anxiously for them to come and pick them up.

That last part was a lie. I didn't have to wait from them to come and pick them up nearly at all! Isn't that just splendidly wonderful? All of them were over at my place within half an hour--happy and willing and ready to help with what I asked them to. Since then, I have felt relieved because I know that I can trust these girls to get something done when I ask them to. They have proved themselves tonight, and I'm so excited to get to keep working with them throughout the semester.

The knowledge I gained tonight only solidified something I already knew: that the women in my ward are amazing. I see it every day: in the clothes they wear, the things they post on facebook, the conversation they have with friends, the comments they make in church, the kind things they say to me--all of it leaves me standing in awe that so much of the world's goodness could be condensed into such a small group of women. I am blessed to get to associate with them.

Five Reasons Why My Weekend Was Great

1. I got to watch Pride and Prejudice with Emily, Amelia, and Sarah. I love Jane Austen's ability to make a room full of girls all gasp and laugh and smile at the same times. The movie was wonderful (as it is every year when I watch it for my birthday) and FINALLY having a girls night after not having one for FOREVER was even greater.

2. I went to my old boss--Fred's--house with my old coworker--Charles--to help Fred shovel snow, repair blinds, and fix some lights. Fred is really old, retired, and can't do much now, so it was good to know we were able to help him. After we fixed up stuff, we played a card game called Five Crowns and had treats with his wife--Diane--and his granddaughter--Amber. It was a wonderful splendid morning and I can't wait to go again.

3. I got to talk to my Aunt Janet on the phone for over half-an-hour. I love talking with people, but when it's my family I love it even more. The two of us are going to start writing letters to each other! I better start on one soon...

4. For homework, I've been reading fun teenage literature for my adolescent literature class. It helps me remember that I actually do enjoy reading! I was having so much fun with it all on Saturday night that it made me laugh, and I haven't laughed in a long time.

5. I went to church on Sunday and officially decided that our ward in awesome. People were talking and reaching out to one another and no one sat alone. The girls in the Relief Society ward right now are remarkably valiant and I'm grateful I get to associate with them!

Letters

Dear Joseph, Thanks for dinner at the Japanese steakhouse on Friday night. The food was delicious, and your company was fantastic. Good luck with your finals this week!

Dear Girls Leaving CP, I will miss each of you so very much. Having the opportunity to serve with you has literally changed my life. Wherever you go in life, you will do amazing things. The angels watch over you. Heavenly Father loves you. Thank you for all you have done for me. I love you!

Dear FHE Brothers, I'm so glad you guys joined us for dinner tonight. I'm even gladder that when we all left to go to the Relief Society fireside that you boys stayed in our apartment and filled our stocking with random stuff from the apartment and then fell asleep on the couches (and floor--Scott!). You are fantastic family. Thank you so much for being so wonderful, worthy, fun, and uplifting priesthood holders. I love you guys!

Dear Lexi, Sarah, Alicia, and Leslie, Thank you for the testimonies you shared tonight at the missionary fireside. I know that you touched many hearts tonight, including mine. I will use what you shared tonight for years to come with those I come in contact with. You girls are amazing.

Dear RS Additional Meetings Committee, The time and effort you put into planning the fireside tonight was time well spent. Thank you.

Dear Katt, Thank you for your months of service and fun! I have loved having the opportunity to serve with you in Relief Society, and am so grateful for all you did to serve the ward as the second counselor. The girls you associated with know that you truly love them, which is what serving is all about. I will miss you, and hope that you stop by often to say hi! I love you!

Dear Sarah Armknecht, I am so excited to have you as our Relief Society's new second counselor! We are going to have so much fun together struggling and trying and thriving and serving and being plain awesome. Thanks for the example you have already set for me of how to be a righteous women, and for the example I know you will continue to set. You are amazing.

Dear Bishopric, I know you already know this, but I just wanted to remind you that you have stewardship over one of the best wards in Provo. Also wanted to remind you that they have one of the best bishoprics in Provo; their bishopric is awesome.

November Weekend Timeline

November 16th, 7pm--Relief Society leadership training meeting with Sis. Burton. Thank you, Kelly, for providing some commentary; and thank you, Bishop, for coming to support.

November 16th, 9:30pm--Honorary Hostess doughnut eating to remember the good ol' days and mourn the lost of the Hostess company. Doughnuts provided by Morgan.

November 16th, 10pm--Snowflake making with roommates minus Audrey plus Morgan (old roommate). Lots of laughing involved.

November 17th, 9:15am--Went running to the temple and back with Emily. 3.8 miles total. (I stinkin' love that girl!)

November 17th, 11am--Went shopping at Downeast Clothing with my awesome cousin, Alex. Found a super ugly sweater and wanted to buy it. Alas, college budget will not allow it. Went to the store with the intention of buy a skirt or dress, walk out of the store with two T-shirts. Typical Lindsey.

November 17th, 1pm--Adventurous Costco shopping with Jordan Liau. He bought thanksgiving dinner for the ward, I bought groceries for the rest of the semester. Success!

November 17th, 3pm--Went hiking up Rock Canyon to eat lunch with Derrik, a friend from my New Testament class last winter. Colder on the way down than the way up. It rained on us, but it was great fun! Hands were really cold by the time we got to the car. Stopped to get hot chocolate on the way home. Best hot chocolate in the world.

November 17th, 7pm--Went to N103 with the intention of watching How to Train Your Dragon. Decided to watch Mega Mind instead because Joseph had never seen it. I successfully bumped a bowl of popcorn. Popcorn fell everywhere. We cleaned it up. A successful evening!

November 18th, 6:30am--Woke up and got ready for the day.

November 18th, 7:45am--Went to the WILK to study my scriptures and ponder. Stayed there for two and a half hours. Took a twenty minute nap. Conclusion: the gospel is AWESOME!

November 18th, 12pm--My awesome Visiting Teachers came over. I love them so much, because I know they love me!

November 18th, 1:00pm--Emily is awesome and helped me with my Relief Society craziness. I love her!

November 18th, 1:30pm--Went to church. I love church. I love my ward. I loved the next three hours.

November 18th, 6pm--Had dinner with Alex, Emily, Amelia, Morgan, Rachel, Lauren, Quaelii, Sarah, Jeremy, Ryan, and Katt. It was so nice to not have to worry about making dinner, after a long day! We ate, talked, and played Mormon Mouthful (Mormon version of Mad Gab). They're the best!

November 18th, 8pm--Went to my ward's treat night. Again--I love my ward!

November 18th, 10:30pm (hopefully)--Went to bed.

Goodnight, everyone!

Awesome in a Nutshell

Why the past few days have been AWESOME (in a nutshell):

1. For FHE we carved pumpkins and baked pumpkin seeds. Super fun.
2. Yesterday, on my way to Shakespeare I ran into Emily Christensen. We got to talk. She's amazing. Then, after work, I got to go over to her apartment and we talked about life while she made chile.
3. Last night, our Relief Society had an activity called "How to Simplify and Satisfy Your Semester". So many girls came, and the girls who shared their talents are seriously skilled. Now I know how to cook delicious chicken, stay healthy, do my hair pretty, and make yummy tortillas.
4. After the Relief Society activity I came home and Ryan's parents were there! We got to hang out with them and just talk for over an hour. They are such good people. Of course, what else would you have expected from Ryan's parents?
5. Today, Emily Christensen came into my office while I was at work to talk to me for two seconds. Smiley face: check.
6. Today Kyle Wilson and Sarah and Amelia and Lauren and Rachel and Emily and I chilled in the apartment and did homework. Chinese and Shakespeare and Music Composition and American Heritage and Theater and Violin all in the same apartment. We're pretty awesome.
7. I got to go to weightlifting today with Emily (like I do every Monday and Wednesday night). We decided we're going to chill this weekend, so of course this weekend is going to be the best.
8. Today for my Shakespeare class, I read a letter writen by Keats. He pretty much quoted scripture. I love finding gospel truths in the things I am learning!

Letters

To the Beautiful Sisters in My Ward (that's ALL of you!!!), The amount of love I've felt from you today has been overwhelming. Your smiles, hugs, kind words, and testimonies have all given me the strength I need to keep going on. You inspire me and make me want to be better. I hope you know that I have an unbreakable testimony of the FACT (yes--it's a FACT) that every single one of you is beautiful, important, wanted, and loved by Heavenly Father. Never doubt your worth and importance. Never doubt that you can do hard and amazing things. Never doubt that He is there, beside you, helping you, the whole way. I also hope you know that I love every single one of you so much and would do anything for you. I hope I can return the love and support you give to me. Have a fantastic week!

Letters

Dear Relief Society Sisters, I have attended few church events that were as cool as us gathering together to read Daughters in My Kingdom on Sunday night. I especially appreciated what Sarah said: that decades ago the sisters met together in a small room to create the Relief Society, and now we were gathered together to learn about it. Every other comment made was equally as insightful and amazing. Keep reading the book. I know that it will help you because of the way it has already begun to help me.

Dear Pister, On Thursday you not only walked all the way up to campus with an umbrella so that I wouldn't have to walk home in the rain, but you also walked up to help Amelia and offered to help Rachel. You are solid proof that chivalry hasn't died.

Pister, Rachel, and I at the Rooftop concert right before the thumb wars began

Dear Rachel, Christopher, Jason, Riley, Pister, Rachel Gains, and Chad, The rooftop concert on Friday night was lots of fun. Having thumb wars in the middle of it made it even more fun. And no, Christopher, I would not make out with you if you smoked like the guy we saw on the side of the street. In fact, I'm not planning on making out with you at all. Even if you claim that dreaming about you makes me healthier. So the question was irrelevant.

Elora, Pister, and I at the top!

Dear Elora and Pister, I promise that I don't usually step into horse manure the last 100 steps away from the trail head at the end of a 13 mile hike. Count yourself lucky to have witnessed such a rare event. Maybe we should count it as a blessing? It is, after all, what led us to lie around in the stream in our clothes for half an hour after the hike. Which was awesome. Just like you guys.